Dash-dot Tetra

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Endemic to the upper Amazon River basin (Brazil and Peru) and the Rio Negro. Prefers black waters (Blackwater) or clear waters strongly rich in tannins, flowing slowly through flooded forests and dense riparian vegetation.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Bellotti's Tetra (Hemigrammus bellottii). Small characin with an elongated lozenge shape. Features the classic adipose fin of characins and an incomplete lateral line, a distinguishing feature of the Hemigrammus genus compared to Astyanax.

Social Behavior: Gregarious and lively nature. Moves constantly in a school in the central water column. Group cohesion (minimum 8-10 individuals) is essential to dampen intraspecific aggression and prevent lethargy.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Semi-transparent to greenish-gray body, crossed by a brilliant iridescent golden lateral stripe ending in a dark spot on the caudal peduncle. Females are visibly plumper, especially when gravid with eggs.

Aquarium Setup: Minimum 60 cm (24 inches) tank. Recommended biotope setup: dark or river sand, intricate wood, oak leaves on the bottom to darken the water and lower the pH. Light shielded by floating plants (Limnobium or Pistia).

Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous micro-predator. Very easy to feed. In nature, it feeds on insects and zooplankton; in the aquarium, it voraciously accepts crumbled flakes, micro-pellets, and preferably live or frozen food like Artemia and Daphnia.

Water Quality: Requires stable parameters and soft water. Moderately tolerates pollutants but thrives only in well-filtered water with a slight flow. Maintain classic tropical temperatures between 23 and 27°C (73-80°F).

Compatibility and Tankmates: Excellent fish for peaceful South American community tanks. Coexists beautifully with Corydoras, dwarf Loricariids (Otocinclus), and small shy Cichlids like Apistogramma. Avoid pairing with adult angelfish or large predators.

Aquarium Reproduction: Egg scatterer among fine-leaved vegetation (e.g. Java Moss). Parents provide no parental care and will actively eat their own eggs if not separated after the morning spawning.

Risks and Diseases: Relatively hardy. However, sensitive to classic bacterial pollution diseases and Ichthyophthirius (Ich) if subjected to severe temperature fluctuations.